Imiquimod cream (Aldara)

Imiquimod cream is an ​immunotherapy.​

It is a treatment for:

• ​basal cell skin cancer​ that is small and in the top layer of the skin

• a skin condition called ​actinic (solar) keratosis​  

• some non cancerous conditions such as warts around the genitals and anus

How often do you use imiquimod cream?

How you have imiquimod cream depends on your individual situation.

Basal cell carcinoma

You usually put imiquimod cream on to the affected area once a day, 5 days a week for 6 weeks.

Actinic (solar) keratosis

You usually put imiquimod cream on to the affected area once a day, 3 days a week for 4 weeks.

If you still have areas of actinic (solar) keratosis you may repeat this process for another 4 weeks. Your doctor will let you know if this is the case.

Common side effect

Your skin might be itchy with this treatment. This side effect happens in more than 10 in 100 people (more than 10%).

Let your doctor or nurse know if you have this.

Occasional side effects

These side effects happen in between 1 and 10 out of every 100 people (between 1 and 10%). You might have one or more of them. They include:

• small bumps on the skin that contain fluid, pus (pustules) or other matter. This could mean there is an infection.

• swollen lymph nodes

• back pain

• problems at the application site including pain, redness, rash, burning, bleeding, tingling, prickling, bumps

• loss of appetite

• headache

• feeling sick

• muscle or joint pain

• tiredness and lacking energy (fatigue)

Rare side effects

These side effects happen in fewer than 1 in 100 people (fewer than 1%). You might have one or more of them. They include:

• a runny or stuffy nose

• red, itchy or swollen eyes

• pain in your throat

• feeling moody and irritable

• diarrhoea

• dry mouth

• swollen face

• skin ulcer

• a temperature

• flu-like symptoms

• feeling cold and shivery

• at the site of application swelling, redness, leaking fluid, inflammation, scabs, small cysts, breakdown of the skin, skin feeling warm

What else do you need to know?

Other medicines, food and drink

Cancer drugs can interact with medicines, herbal products, and some food and drinks. We are unable to list all the possible interactions that may happen. An example is grapefruit or grapefruit juice which can increase the side effects of certain drugs.

Tell your healthcare team about any medicines you are taking. This includes vitamins, herbal supplements and over the counter remedies. Also let them know about any other medical conditions or allergies you may have.

Contraception and pregnancy

It is unknown whether treatment may or may not harm a baby developing in the womb. It is important not to become pregnant or get someone pregnant while you are having treatment. Let your team know straight away if you or your partner become pregnant while having treatment.

Talk to your doctor or nurse about effective contraception you can use during treatment. Ask how long you should use it before starting treatment and after treatment has finished.

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether this drug comes through into the breast milk. Doctors usually advise that you don’t breastfeed during this treatment.

Treatment for other conditions

If you are having tests or treatment for anything else, always mention your cancer treatment. For example, if you are visiting your dentist.